Michael Rasmussen back with small Italian team after dope test dodging ban

Danish cyclist Michael Rasmussen has signed for a small Italian team following the end of his ban for avoiding drug tests.

The rider has signed a one-year contract with Miche Silver Cross and is expected to make his debut for them in next week's Argentinian Tour de San Luis, reported Danish newspaper Politiken.

Rasmussen led the 2007 Tour de France but was immediately removed and sacked by Rabobank when it was revealed that he'd falsified the schedule that he'd sent to the UCI: when he was supposed to be in Mexico, he was spotted by former pro Davide Cassadi training in the Italian Dolomites.

He was eventually given a two-year ban for avoiding drug tests, and hasn't competed since.

However, it seems that Rasmussen isn't entirely satisfied with the choice of new team. He told Politiken that he had hoped for a comeback at "a higher level," but that "there is so much hypocrisy in cycling, so it was not possible."